The Quarry Fox is the first in-depth study of Catskill wildlife since legendary nature writer John Burroughs first chronicled the area in the 19th century. Now, Leslie T. Sharpe breathes new life into these storied mountains, introducing the genre to a whole new audience. Through her lyrical prose, she weaves her experiences with the seasons, plants and creatures with their natural history, revealing their sensitivity to and resilience against the splendor and cruelty of Nature.

Sharpe duly offers an empathetic and scientific approach to her writing; observing, interacting, and becoming one with the delicate ecosystem. Her frank, scientific observations seamlessly join with her deeply felt connection to these creatures to instill in readers an appreciation of the undaunted and variegated beauty of the Catskills and camaraderie with its animals. From contemplating the importance of milkweed for monarchs to lay their eggs to revealing in the first steps of a wobbly fawn, The Quarry Fox is a celebration of the natural world and our place in it. Both an environmental appreciation and call to action for conservation, Sharpe’s stories entertain, educate, and will inspire readers to get up and explore the great outdoors.

LESLIE T. SHARPE is a former Vice President of the New York City Audubon Society, an environmentalist, and a naturalist living in the Great Western Catskills. She has taught writing and editing at Columbia and New York Universities.

"Things I have learned living in the Catskills: I have learned that nature will overcome. I have learned that death is common; it is life that is extraordinary. And I have learned that it takes true courage to love wild critters."---Leslie Sharpe